The New England Patriots are going all in on their secondary in 2014.
Free agent cornerback Brandon Browner tweeted that he signed with the Patriots on Friday night. He agreed to a three-year, $17 million contract, a source told ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter.
Browner is a 6-foot-4, 221-pound cornerback. He played in eight games for the Seahawks in 2013 and recorded one interception and 19 tackles. Browner will begin the 2014 season with a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy in 2013.
Browner originally went undrafted out of Oregon State in 2005. He was signed by the Broncos as a rookie free agent and spent his first season on injured reserve. He played in the CFL from 2006 to 2010 before signing with the Seahawks in 2011.
Browner was named to the NFC Pro Bowl team in 2011. He was suspended for four games in 2012 for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Browner released a statement on his signing via Twitter.
“Today, I am proud to announce that I am a New England Patriot,” Browner said. “I am honored that the Patriots are making me part of their legendary organization, and am grateful for the opportunity Mr. Kraft, Coach Belichick, Nick Caserio and the entire team have given me.
“I intend to diligently work with the same passion and dedication that I have displayed since coming into the NFL to uphold the great traditions and qualities that are embodied by the Patriots.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the Seattle Seahawks for giving a CFL player the once in-a-lifetime opportunity to return to the NFL, making a young boy’s dream come true. To Coach Pete Carroll, GM John Schneider, John Idzik, Coach Richard, Rocky Seto, the LOB, my teammates, the training staff, the equipment guys the Seahawks organization as a whole and most importantly the 12th Man, I say thank you for everything you have done for myself and my family. I am a truly blessed person.”
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